amalg

Amalg, commonly written as amalgam, is a term used in chemistry and metallurgy to describe an alloy that contains mercury. In many uses, mercury is the binding metal, forming either a liquid phase at room temperature or a solid alloy with other metals, depending on composition and temperature. Amalgams have historical and contemporary applications in dentistry and ore processing.

Dental amalgam is the most common use of the term in everyday dentistry. It is a mercury-based alloy, typically consisting of silver, tin, and copper powders combined with elemental mercury. The mixture is triturated to form a pliable paste that hardens into a durable filling. Advantages include strength, wear resistance, and low cost; disadvantages include mercury content and aesthetic concerns. Public health authorities regulate its use in some jurisdictions, and proper handling and disposal of mercury waste is emphasized; alternatives such as resin-based composites are increasingly used.

In mining and metallurgy, amalgamation describes processes that extract precious metals from ore by forming an amalgam with mercury. It played a major role in historical gold and silver mining, especially in placer deposits. Environmental and health concerns have reduced its use in modern operations, and mercury capture and cleanup are important considerations in regulatory frameworks.